Development of more markets can lift people out of poverty – Minister Kumar
FAMILIES can be lifted out of poverty and provided a sustainable livelihood through building more markets.
This will enable more people to operate small businesses, says Minister for Local Government and Education, Heritage and Arts Premila Kumar.
While visiting the Suva Handicraft Centre vendors recently, Minister Kumar highlighted the Government’s plan to build more markets.
“You will be amazed that we have plans to build 10 markets whether it’s mini market, satellite market or main markets,” she said.
“The three types of market that I mentioned are at different stages, for example Savusavu Market, Levuka Market and Nakasi Farmer’s Market are in the construction phase.
“In other words, the contractors are there and they’re building the markets but there are other markets for example, Narere Mini
Market, Raiwaqa Mini Market, Mead Road Market, Naiyaca Market and Dreketi market in Labasa and Navua Market, they are at the planning or preparatory phase.
“Taveuni Satellite Market, we are at the stage of acquiring the land. The landowners have agreed to give us a piece of land in Naqara which is a small town in Taveuni and we are in the process of acquiring the piece of land but other markets for example Raiwaqa Market - the concept design is done and the engineering drawings are being drawn so that we can call the tender and we can get that market going.”
Minister Kumar said the development of markets created selfemployment and the Government had allocated $750,000 to develop the new Nakasi Market.
“We know that the market will not cost us $750,000, it’s more than a $1million but we know from now, till the next budget we will only be able to use around $750,000, so when it comes to the next financial year, the rest of the balance that is left to complete the work will be given to the municipal council.”
The Minister said they had received $70,000 for the preparatory works for Dreketi market, $200,000 for relocation and development of Navua Market and $1.74 million has been allocated for the completion of Levuka Market and $75,000 has been set aside for the Taveuni Satellite Market.